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Archive for the ‘LTL Freight Shipping’ Category

LTL Freight Shipping Used Electronics

August 2nd, 2010

One of the most commonly LTL freight shipped items is used electronics.  People ship used electronics for repair, resale or storage.  Many times when people LTL freight ship used electronics they put many different types of used electronics on a single pallet.  With new electronics this sometimes causes a problem, however with used electronics it’s no big deal!  Most used electronics are LTL freight class 92.5 which makes shipping an assorted variety of electronics much easier and less expensive for our LTL freight shippers.

Things to know when getting an LTL freight quote when shipping used electronics:

  • Know the weight and dimensions of your LTL freight shipment
  • The value of the used electronics you are LTL freight shipping

When packaging used electronics, make sure they are protected and securely fastened on a pallet. Remember that LTL freight will be moved on and off several trucks and it is important that even used electronics are properly packaged when they are being moved like this.

Just because you are shipping something used, don’t neglect to insure it! Most carriers include some insurance in the cost of transportation, but it’s worth confirming how much you are covered.  If your freight isn’t covered to the extent that you need coverage we can offer you third party insurance.

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How to ship an engine using an LTL freight carrier:

July 14th, 2010

One of the more frequent items people ship is automobile engines.  When shipping an engine using an LTL carrier there are a few things to remember:

  1. The engine will be freight classed at 85, unless you are shipping an engine that is used for something very unusual. If you’re in doubt ask us when you get an LTL quote.
  2. Palletize the engine on a sturdy pallet.  Engines are heavy and need a sturdy pallet.
  3. Securely strap the engine to the pallet so that the engine cannot move around on the pallet.  LTL freight is moved from truck to truck during transit, so the engine needs to be securely attached otherwise it may be damaged in transit.
Palletized engine

Properly packaged engine

This is how an engine should be palletized when shipping using an LTL carrier.  Some LTL shippers choose to crate engines, while this is not necessary, it does provide additional protection.

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LTL Freight Insurance: Do I need it?

July 7th, 2010

LTL freight forwarders and carriers avoid this topic but it’s important to address; LTL freight is handled frequently in transport and sometimes gets damaged.   To cover against these damages most LTL freight carriers include some insurance in the cost of transport.  It is important for LTL freight shippers to be aware insurance coverage, since the included insurance often does not cover the entire value of the LTL freight.

On average, the included insurance covers about $10 per pound but this varies by carrier.  If you are shipping LTL freight that is expensive or fragile it is in your best interest to find the rate of coverage your carrier includes in the cost of transport.

Now you’re wondering, “What if my carrier doesn’t fully cover the value of my freight?”  Well, you’re in luck!  Most freight forwarders can provide you with third party insurance.  At CheapShipping.com, we are able to provide third party insurance at a low rate.  The next time you are getting a quote from one of our quote specialists just ask about an insurance quote as well.  We also have access to the amount of coverage you would receive with each carrier so that you can rest easily knowing your LTL freight is completely covered.

Remember, if your LTL freight is not fully covered you will not be reimbursed completely if it gets damaged.   If you are in doubt about the amount of LTL freight insurance coverage you need it is best to ask, shipping without the sufficient coverage is risky.

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How to properly package LTL Freight:

June 30th, 2010

Packaging LTL freight is very important; it keeps your freight safe and some carriers won’t even pick up freight that is not properly packaged.  Often, carriers will not pick up loose items because the freight is at greater risk of damage and it cannot be packed on a trailer efficiently.

When to palletize LTL freight:

Standard pallets are 48 inches by 40 inches but pallets can be a variety of sizes.  All palletized freight should be banded or shrink wrapped securely to the pallet. It is too risky for a freight carrier to load and unload your shipment if it is not secure on the pallet; it might fall off and break or injure the driver.

Here are some pallet-ing pointers:

  1. Your freight should not exceed the size of your pallet.
  2. No box flaps tops or ends should be on the sides of the stack.  Boxes are strongest on the solid corrugated sides, so that should be the outer edge.
  3. Evenly distribute the weight of your shipment across the pallet.  This can be tough sometimes, but the more evenly distributed the easier it will be to move on and off a truck.
  4. Do not use pallets that are old or breaking, especially for heavy moves.  You can easily replace a broken board on a pallet; this is worth the time and effort to keep your freight safe.
Standard sized pallet

This is a standard sized pallet

When to crate LTL freight:

It is best to crate anything fragile.  However some freight is required to be crated; motorcycles, ATVs, furniture, gym and medical equipment are a few examples.   It is important that crated freight is packaged securely within the crate.  LTL freight is transferred at least twice and it is important that your freight stays secure as it is being moved.

LTL crate

Example of a crate

Motorcycle secured in a crate

This is how a motorcycle should be crated and secured.

When to use a drum:

A drum should be used when shipping liquids.  It is important to use the appropriate drum for the liquid you are shipping.  A sturdy drum with no leaks is necessary, carriers will not ship leaky drums the leaks may be hazardous to the other freight or the driver.  If you are considering shipping a hazardous materials, you will need to make sure they comply with FMCSA regulations.

Example of a freight drum

Example of a freight drum

If you have any questions about how to package your LTL freight, please give us a call and we would be happy to assist you.

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